Quinn Emanuel is a globally recognised litigation-only law firm, known for its aggressive and highly strategic approach to high-stakes disputes. Its London office has grown into one of the UK’s leading dispute resolution practices, consistently representing clients in complex and high-value litigation and arbitration matters.
As the first major US litigation firm to open in London (in 2008), Quinn Emanuel’s UK office has made a considerable impact, often acting on some of the most high-profile and contentious matters in the English courts. The firm is particularly sought after for its willingness to act against major financial institutions and for its focus on claimant-side litigation, setting it apart from more traditionally conservative City firms.
Services Offered
Quinn Emanuel UK specialises exclusively in dispute resolution. Its key practice areas include:
- Commercial Litigation
Representing corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional investors in contract disputes, shareholder claims, fraud cases, and professional negligence actions. - International Arbitration
Acting in high-value arbitrations under a range of institutional rules (LCIA, ICC, ICSID), particularly in the energy, construction, finance, and technology sectors. - Banking and Financial Disputes
Advising on claims involving complex financial instruments, mis-selling, benchmark manipulation, and regulatory breaches. The firm is notable for representing institutional investors in claims against banks. - Competition Litigation
One of the leading firms in collective and individual competition claims in the UK. It frequently acts for claimants in follow-on damages claims arising from cartel and abuse of dominance decisions. - White-Collar Defence and Investigations
Advising on internal investigations, regulatory enforcement, fraud, bribery, and corruption. The team also represents clients in criminal proceedings brought by agencies such as the SFO and FCA. - Class and Group Actions
Pioneering in group litigation, including claims under the Competition Appeal Tribunal and other class action regimes in the UK. - Technology and IP Disputes
Representing tech companies in disputes involving patents, trade secrets, data breaches, and other technology-related conflicts.
Quinn Emanuel is distinct in the UK market for representing a broad range of claimants—including corporations and funds—in disputes often avoided by more traditional firms with banking panel relationships.
Company History
Quinn Emanuel was founded in 1986 in Los Angeles by John B. Quinn and Eric Emanuel. From its early days, the firm was designed to be different—agile, conflict-free, and litigation-focused.
The London office opened in 2008, becoming the first US litigation-only firm to launch in the City. Since then, it has grown rapidly in both headcount and reputation, attracting high-profile cases and a steady stream of lateral partner hires from top-tier City and international firms.
Today, the firm has over 900 lawyers across 31 offices worldwide, with London being one of the largest and most prestigious, particularly for international arbitration, financial litigation, and class actions.
Awards and Recognition
Quinn Emanuel UK has received widespread recognition for its litigation expertise:
- Chambers UK and The Legal 500 UK
Consistently top-ranked in Commercial Litigation, International Arbitration, Competition Litigation, and Banking Litigation. - The Times Best Law Firms
Regularly recognised for its expertise in dispute resolution and competition law. - Legal Business Awards – Disputes Team of the Year
Awarded for success in high-profile litigation, including class actions and commercial fraud claims. - Global Arbitration Review (GAR) 30
Named as one of the world’s top arbitration practices. - Law360 and Benchmark Litigation
Recognised globally as a top-tier firm for business litigation and white-collar defence. - American Lawyer Litigation Department of the Year (Global)
Commended for consistently winning major international disputes.
These accolades affirm Quinn Emanuel’s status as a powerhouse in contentious legal work, particularly where the stakes are high and the legal landscape is complex.
Client and Industry Sentiment
Quinn Emanuel’s UK office is highly regarded for its:
- Aggressive and fearless approach
The firm is known for pursuing tough cases and being willing to litigate against large financial institutions, governments, and multinational corporations. - High success rate
Clients value the firm’s track record in securing favourable settlements or judgments, especially in complex and novel claims. - Technical and strategic excellence
The firm is widely praised for its strong legal analysis, courtroom advocacy, and creative litigation strategies. - Lean teams and partner involvement
Clients appreciate the high level of partner engagement and the efficient, no-nonsense approach to case management. - Lack of conflicts of interest
As a litigation-only firm with no transactional practice, Quinn Emanuel is often able to act where other City firms are conflicted.
While the firm’s litigation style is sometimes described as confrontational, many clients find this refreshing—particularly institutional investors, claimants, and disruptors seeking a firm that is unafraid to take on entrenched interests.
Address:
90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7653 2000
www.quinnemanuel.com